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What is inside a fire extinguisher & How it works?

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This article will help you to know what is inside a fire extinguisher and how it works.

When you look at a fire extinguisher, you might wonder what is inside that can put out a fire.

The answer is actually pretty simple – fire extinguishers are filled with a substance called “fire retardant” which is designed to smother a fire and stop it from spreading.

Let’s deep dive and explore what is inside a fire extinguisher and how it works.

What is Fire Extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations.

It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no means of escape), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade.

A fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

Fire extinguishers are classified by their agent type and the size of fire they can extinguish.

What is inside a fire extinguisher??

Now that we know what is a fire extinguisher, let’s find out what is inside it that makes it so effective in fighting fires.

As we mentioned before, fire extinguishers are filled with a substance called “fire retardant” which is designed to smother a fire and stop it from spreading.

The most common fire retardants used in fire extinguishers are water, foam, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide (CO2).

  • Water

Water is one of the most effective fire retardants because it can quickly cool down fire and prevent it from spreading.

However, water is not effective on all types of fires and can actually make some fires worse.

For example, water should never be used on a grease fire because the water will cause the grease to splatter and spread the fire.

  • Foam

Foam is another effective fire retardant that can be used on both liquid and solid fires.

Foam extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam that smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching it.

  • Dry Chemical

Dry chemical extinguishers are most effective on Class B and Class C fires, which are fires that involve flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

Dry chemical extinguishers work by creating a fine powder that coats the fuel and prevents the fire from spreading.

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CO2 extinguishers are most effective on Class B and Class C fires, which are fires that involve flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

CO2 extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen in the fire, which starves the fire of the oxygen it needs to burn.

  • Halon

Halon extinguishers are most effective on Class B and Class C fires, which are fires that involve flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

Halon extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen in the fire, which starves the fire of the oxygen it needs to burn.

Parts of a Fire Extinguisher

Now that you know what a fire extinguisher, let’s look at the different parts of a fire extinguisher.

1. The Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge is one of the most important parts of the fire extinguisher. It helps to indicate whether the fire extinguisher is full and ready for use or if it needs to be refilled.

2. The Discharge Hose

The discharge hose is the part of the fire extinguisher that actually puts out the fire. It is attached to the pressure gauge and is used to direct the flow of fire retardant onto the fire.

3. The Nozzle

The nozzle is the part of the fire extinguisher that you hold onto when you are using it. The nozzle is attached to the discharge hose and is used to direct the flow of fire retardant onto the fire.

4. The Handle

The handle is the part of the fire extinguisher that you use to carry it. The handle is also used to activate the discharge mechanism on the fire extinguisher.

5. The Body

The body is the main part of the fire extinguisher that holds all of the other parts together. The body is usually made of metal and is designed to withstand high pressures.

Can I Stop a Fire Extinguisher from?

Yes. If the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher is in the red zone, this means that the fire extinguisher is almost out of fire retardant.

If you use the fire extinguisher when the pressure gauge is in the red zone, it will likely stop working before the fire is extinguished.

It is always best to refill or replace a fire extinguisher when the pressure gauge is in the red zone.

How do Fire Extinguishers work?

Fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction that is taking place during a fire. When a fire starts, there are three things that need to be present in order for the fire to continue burning.

These three things are fuel, heat, and oxygen. If you can remove one of these things, then you can extinguish the fire.

For example, if you remove the heat from a fire, then the fire will stop burning.

This is why water is such an effective fire retardant. Water removes the heat from the fire by cooling it down.

However, water is not effective on all types of fires and can actually make some fires worse. This is why it is important to know what type of fire extinguisher to use on each type of fire.

How often should I check my Fire Extinguisher?

You should check your fire extinguisher at least once a month to make sure that it is full and ready for use. It is also a good idea to check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher to make sure that it is in the green zone.

If the pressure gauge is in the red zone, this means that the fire extinguisher needs to be refilled or replaced.

You should also check the expiration date on the fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date of 12 years. After the expiration date, the fire extinguisher may not work

Conclusion

Now that you know what a fire extinguisher is, what is inside in a fire extinguisher and how it works, you will be better prepared to use one if the need ever arises. Remember, a fire extinguisher is only effective if you know how to use it properly.

If you are ever unsure about how to use a fire extinguisher, you should contact the fire department or a trained professional for assistance.

 

FAQs

What is the most important part of the fire extinguisher?

The pressure gauge is one of the most important parts of the fire extinguisher. It helps to indicate whether the fire extinguisher is full and ready for use or if it needs to be refilled.

How does a fire extinguisher work?

Fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction that is taking place during a fire.

How often should I check my fire extinguisher?

You should check your fire extinguisher at least once a month to make sure that it is full and ready for use. It is also a good idea to check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher to make sure that it is in the green zone.

What should I do if the pressure gauge is in the red zone?

If the pressure gauge is in the red zone, this means that the fire extinguisher needs to be refilled or replaced.

What is the expiration date on a fire extinguisher?

Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date of 12 years. After the expiration date, the fire extinguisher may not work.

Rayhan Sarwar

I am a glass and ceramic engineering student at the Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET). I enjoy exploring science and technology, which is why I chose to study engineering!

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